July 5, 2016
Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham was named today as a preseason contender for the Bednarik Award, presented to the college football’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Cunningham, a junior from Pinson, Ala., is one of 22 standouts from the Southeastern Conference included on the 88-player watch list. The Bednarik Award, named for former University of Penn and Philadelphia Eagles star Chuck Bednarik, has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995.
Cunningham becomes the first Vanderbilt player named to the Bednarik watch list since cornerback Andre Hal was recognized in 2013.
The Bednarik list is the latest preseason recognition for Cunningham, who captured unanimous First team All-SEC honors a year ago. Earlier this summer, he has been named to various All-SEC units by preseason magazines and has received preseason All-America honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
Cunningham is coming off a remarkable year in 2015. Inserted into the lineup in the third game of the season, Cunningham finished the campaign among the SEC leaders in solo tackles, total tackles, tackles for loss, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. He was voted first team all-league by the head coaches and Associated Press, along with numerous publications.
Cunningham’s 16.5 tackles for loss last year ranks third all-time among Vanderbilt defenders, and is the most by a Commodore since linebacker Jamie Winborn set the team record with 23 tackles for loss in the 1999 season. Cunningham’s 69 solo tackles from a year ago also is highest single-season total since linebacker Moses Osemwegie registered 83 unassisted stops a decade ago.
Cunningham also contributed four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Former safety Kenny Ladler (2013) is the only Commodore defender to force more fumbles in the last two decades. The last Vanderbilt player to register more fumble recoveries was Dominique Morris in 2004.
Cunningham also was stellar in SEC play, averaging more than 10 tackles in eight conference games. He had at least 10 tackles against the Commodores’ final five SEC opponents. He finished the year by contributed 10 solo tackles against both Texas A&M and Tennessee.
Cunningham and the Commodores will open the regular season by hosting SEC East opponent South Carolina on Thursday, Sept. 1 in Vanderbilt Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
Besides South Carolina, the Commodores also host Middle Tennessee on Sept. 10, Florida on Oct. 1, Tennessee State for homecoming on Oct. 22, Ole Miss on Nov. 19, and Tennessee on Nov. 26.
Season tickets remain available, starting at $135 for end-zone locations and only $250 for premium sideline seats in Vanderbilt Stadium. Tickets can be purchase online or via the phone at (615) 322-GOLD (4653). The Vanderbilt Ticket Office also is open during regular hours on weekends in McGugin Athletics Center, 2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville.
